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Course Syllabus (MPA 610)

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MPA 610
Introduction to Public Administration and its Environment
California State University Northridge

Spring  2004


Dr. Matthew Cahn
Professor of Public Policy
Department of Political Science
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA  91330-8254
matthew.cahn@csun.edu
(818) 677-4797



Syllabus Addendum Available Now!!  Click Here!

Public Administration is concerned with identifying and implementing policy responses to public problems -- including both policy analysis and public management.  This course is designed to provide an overview of the discipline and to increase the student's awareness of theoretical and practical aspects of the field.

The course will be conducted as a seminar -- that is, the course will survive on the contributions of seminar participants. Each participant is expected to come to class ready to critically analyze the reading and prepared to add to the ongoing class discussion.  The extent to which you bring your personal experiences and insights into the discussion will define the richness of the discussion.

Course requirements include class participation, an oral report, and a written paper.  All class meetings are mandatory.  If you must miss a class, please meet with instructor for alternative assignment.  Readings, of course, are critical.  It is expected that students will complete all reading assignments prior to class for which they are assigned.  Students are expected to be prepared to comment on the readings, and to integrate the readings into the ongoing discussion.  Since verbal communication is the keystone to public administration, students are required to complete an analysis paper (15 - 18 pages).  Finally, students will present their papers orally for the entire class.

Papers may deal with any topic in public administration, and must utilize course materials as well as appropriate additional resources.  The paper should state the issue or controversy clearly and concisely; discuss the issue in terms of public administration theory and practice; evaluate our knowledge and understanding of the issue; and reach some conclusions based on that knowledge.  Do not simply summarize what others have said on the issue -- evaluate their contributions in light of the evolving literature and make your own contribution.  The papers should be written in a scholarly format, typed double-spaced, according to academic protocol.

Class Resources:

Writing Guides and Resources:

CSUN: Learning Resource Center
MLA: Online Style Guide

UCSB: Writing Resources
Harvard:
The Writing Center
Purdue:
Online Writing Lab (OWL)
Illinois Urbana:
The Writers' Workshop
Capital Community Technical College:
Guide to Grammar and Writing
Hanover College:
Writing Manuals and Guides

Policy Information

Politics 1
Institute for Women’s Policy Research
Public-Policy.org
Democratic National Committee
Republican National Committee

Federal Government Offices and Agencies

FedWorld (US Gov Web Directory)
Directory (LSU)

Directory (Commercial)

Federal Statutes and Regulations

The Center for Information Law and Policy
Federal Law Resources (Technical)
United States Code (Searchable Code of Federal Statutes)
United States Code (Searchable Code of Federal Statutes)
US Code of Federal Regulations (Searchable)

Academic Policy and Politics Resources

Public Policy Section, American Political Science Association
American Political Science Association (APSA)
International Political Science Resources

General Political Science Resources
     Western Connecticut State University
     UC Irvine

Political Science Resources and Departments (Directories)

Poly-Cy (Cal Poly) Directory of Resources
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs (NASPAA)

The Presidential Election

Archive: CNN's Election 2000
Washington Post's Coverage of 2004 Election
Official Electoral College Site 
     (National Archives and Records Administration)

General Information on the Electoral College
     (Federal Election Commission)

Issue Areas

Facts on Congress
Odd Facts of Federal Elected Officials (Salaries, Names, Histories, etc.)

Federal Government and Resources
State Government Resources

 


Matthew Cahn
Professor of Public Policy and Interim Chair
Department of Political Science
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA  91330-8254
matthew.cahn@csun.edu
(818) 677-3488